Joshua Veselka - OXY
Horizontal wellheads enable annular-flow to tubing-flow gas lift conversion without wellhead replacement or flowline reconstruction. This capability shifts the design challenge downhole: how can operators minimize downtime to convert from annular-flow to tubing-flow gas lift while maintaining dependable, cost-effective downhole designs?
‘OneLift’ is a lifecycle-oriented downhole design philosophy that enables future flow-path conversion options while reducing dependance on rig workover intervention. ‘OneLift’ addresses this challenge through a downhole design philosophy centered on four principles: extending the service life of the original tubing and mandrel string; reducing lifecycle cost; minimizing intervention through slickline and other rigless methods; and advancing fit-for-purpose technology through vendor collaboration. This presentation compares four configurations: surface-controlled electric or hydraulic gas lift; ‘EC’ mandrels with standard injection-pressure-operated and reverse-flow valves; a hybrid design combining conventional fluid mandrels with side-pocket mandrels; and a new mandrel technology under evaluation. Each option was assessed for conversion method, capital cost, design flexibility, potential failure modes, and other risks.
Results from our installations are presented, examining the initial install outcome for annular-flow gas lift, the conversion to tubing-flow gas lift, and any other interventions that occurred. Initial ‘EC’ mandrel findings show increased likelihood of interventions needed other than for conversion to tubing-flow gas lift. They support a forward plan that includes deeper diagnostic analysis of EC mandrel performance and potential adjustment of ‘EC’ mandrel design guidelines. Initial hybrid design findings show good annular-flow performance but need continued tracking of install performance after conversion to tubing-flow gas lift. Surface-controlled equipment remains a selective option when the increased initial cost can be justified, while the new mandrel technology has not yet been deployed for field trials. Together, these actions provide a practical path toward lower-intervention gas lift systems that retain flexibility throughout the well’s lifecycle.